Whereas GM is engaged on broader updates to its full-size pickups, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado Carhartt Version is being supplied to assist transfer 2500 HDs within the meantime. Becoming a member of the ranks of another nationwide and extra localized packages (taking a look at you, Texas Version), it provides some aesthetic bits together with a few of the Silverado HD’s more-frequently chosen add-ons.
Chevy’s Carhartt tie-up is definitely not the primary between an attire firm and an automaker. Essentially the most well-known is Ford with Eddie Bauer, however there have additionally been these with LL Bean (Subaru), Mossy Oak (Ram) and Orvis (Jeep), simply to call just a few. Again within the day, high-end vogue designers and types would associate with luxurious automakers, most notably Lincoln.
Pairing Chevy with Carhartt definitely is smart. Recognized for producing work garments and searching gear, the century-old American clothes model can be headquartered within the Detroit metro space. Win-win.
Now, I’m a brief, nerdy man who works a desk job. I’ve by no means set foot in a deer blind in my life. Carhartt isn’t precisely my way of life model of alternative, however I’ve pushed each different pickup in existence up to now six weeks, so, hey, why not?
Like most such packages, what we’re coping with right here is mainly a preferred gear bundle with some branded dress-up bits, and standard gear is normally known as such as a result of, properly, individuals prefer it. This explicit bundle consists of fairly a little bit of it.
On the floor, it appears fairly easy. Take a 2021 Silverado 2500 HD LTZ 4X4 Crew Cab (MSRP: $55,295), slap on the Z71 off-road package deal ($325) and, bam, you have unlocked the magical Carhartt package deal ($3,040) with its customized inside and exterior dress-up bits, 20-inch wheels, customized tonneau cowl, aspect rails, and body-colored bumpers. Easy, proper?
Properly, I wouldn’t have introduced it up if it was. That looks like an inexpensive deal for what it’s, however the catch is that choosing Carhartt additionally locks you into just a few different packages: LTZ Plus ($2,645), LTZ Comfort Bundle II ($1,670), and Security Bundle II ($645). All in, you’re taking a look at $63,620. Our tester upped the ante additional with the 6.6L Duramax V8 diesel ($9,890), Know-how Bundle ($1,475) and Gooseneck/Fifth wheel package deal ($1,090), for a grand whole of $75,575. You are able to do the identical with a Crew Cab long-bed mannequin in the event you’d like, for about $2,000 extra.
Yeah, that’s a number of gear and, correspondingly, some huge cash. Setting apart every thing above and past the naked minimal Carhartt configuration, you’re nonetheless getting an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system with wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wi-fi charging, plenty of security tech, the Z71 off-road suspension and all-terrain tires, heated seats entrance and rear, ventilated entrance seats, a heated steering wheel, and sufficient cameras to run your individual surveillance service – together with two inputs designated for trailer cameras.
And all of these things works nice. In actual fact, in the event you ask me what makes the price of fashionable pickups worthwhile, the above checklist is just about what I’d rattle off. Personally, I’d favor them on one thing that does not take up 10% of my property footprint by itself, however for individuals who must tow a small home, that is an extremely plush approach to do it.
The heated equipment are particularly good in chilly climates. It snowed just a little bit day by day I had this Silverado for analysis, they usually had been life-savers till that massive diesel warmed up, which may take some time, particularly in the event you’re simply operating errands round city. The tonneau cowl was additionally nice to have because it made rear-end snow elimination a breeze.
Inside, the Carhartt-specific upgrades handle to enhance the Silverado’s best weak point. The branded bits are comparatively delicate, and the outside’s gold pinstriping is translated inside to a pleasant, wealthy tan, which contrasts properly with the otherwise-black inside remedy. Nonetheless, even the Carhartt scheme, flattering (and subdued) although it might be, isn’t sufficient to utterly redeem the inside. It nonetheless suffers from unimpressive materials high quality and match, particularly on the items left untouched by this remedy, and an uninspired design. The Silverado’s inside simply doesn’t lower the mustard, particularly at $75,000.
That stated, other than the price of the requisite gear (to not point out the bottom value of a Silverado HD LTZ to start with), I’m struggling to seek out something to actually dislike concerning the Carhartt Version. It’s a number of truck for some huge cash, however none of its add-ons get in the best way of doing truck stuff. If something, they solely add to the expertise. I can dig it.
